The formula for building speed in a car is simple: find a decent platform, add power, brakes and suspension, and hit the road. But that can cost a lot of money. Motorcycles, especially street-legal sports bikes, are insanely fast and usually come that way from the factory. The new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition offers blistering speed and outlandish styling at a modest starting price of $9,699.
The Kawasaki brings a variety of go-fast goodies that should catch your eye if you’re looking for cheap speed. It’s powered by a liquid-cooled, 399cc, four-stroke inline-four that revs at 16,000 rpm, although the company hasn’t announced exact performance numbers just yet. It’s paired with several race-inspired technologies, including an assist and slipper clutch that can force the clutch hub and actuation plate apart under heavy engine braking to help prevent rear wheel skid. The bike’s traction control also allows the rider to dial in the amount of assist they want. Kawasaki said its software judges position relative to the road or track surface, rather than a horizontal plane, to provide more accurate traction adjustments during cornering.
The Kawasaki Quick Shifter system allows riders to shift at full throttle without the clutch for faster acceleration. When the driver operates the shift lever, the ECU momentarily cuts the ignition to allow clutchless shifting. Three selectable power modes adjust engine power to conditions. Kawasaki positioned the rear suspension closer to the bike’s center of gravity for better space management and to allow for a larger exhaust pre-chamber.
Kawasaki said the riding position is aggressive but ergonomic, offering good wind protection and aerodynamics with a comfortable feel. The brake and clutch levers offer five position settings for different hand sizes, and the seat design allows for quick repositioning for track riding while maintaining comfort on longer rides.
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition will go on sale in spring. While it offers a reasonable entry-level price point — at least compared to cars — buyers can up the price with several accessories, including a $369 frame slider set, a $140 radiator grille, and more.
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